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Thursday, March 31, 2011

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society.Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

My Review:

What I liked most about Bumped is the characters. They made the story for me especially Zen. He was charismatic and there is one scene in particular that really made me sigh and melt. I can't go into detail because it's a huge spoiler, but yeah. That totally made the book for me. I wish that I could see more about him--so hopefully there will be a spinoff or deleted scene or something. As for Melody and Harmony, they were also really developed and it was a total case of nature vs. nurture. They had some fundamental similarities from being identical twins, and I think at the core of who they are that shone through. But for some of the others, the way that they were each raised totally changed things and defined things about them. The plot is so interesting! I love dystopias and I think it takes some mad skills to craft these complicated ways of life, and totally scare me to think that this could really happen in the future. Bumped had its own set of terminology and I was a little confused at first, but since Harmony was an outsider, as they explained some of the stuff to her, it also became clear to me. If you like dystopias, I def recommend to give Bumped a read!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

Publishes in US: Apr 5th 2011

Source: Simon Galley Grab

*My review*

Stay is a lyrical, flowing book: Ms. Caletti has a beautiful way with words. Clara is an honest character and while going on this journey with her, you can see how relationships can go bad and the many ways that can look like. This hit me hard because I've been in a relationship like that, and the book I'm writing deals with similar subject matter. The only thing is that I wish that it was told in one time instead of back and forth, but I totally understand why it was done that way, and appreciate the use. The secondary characters are rich and detailed. I like her dad and his quirks. anabelle and sylvie are fun. I like the women as examples, however crazy that are placed in her life. Finn is sweet and uncomplicated. What got to me and led me down that road and Clara's is how the obsession and the verbal assaults begin subtly, where you really could write it off as insecurity or some other excuse. This is a powerful book and I recommend it.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Nature is out of balance in the human world. The sun hasn't shone in years, and crops are failing. Worse yet, strange and hostile creatures have begun to appear. The people's survival hangs in the balance.To solve the crisis, the oracle stones are cast, and Kaede and Taisin, two seventeen-year-old girls, are picked to go on a dangerous and unheard-of journey to Tanlili, the city of the Fairy Queen. Taisin is a sage, thrumming with magic, and Kaede is of the earth, without a speck of the otherworldly. And yet the two girls' destinies are drawn together during the mission. As members of their party succumb to unearthly attacks and fairy tricks, the two come to rely on each other and even begin to fall in love. But the Kingdom needs only one huntress to save it, and what it takes could tear Kaede and Taisin apart forever.The exciting adventure prequel to Malinda Lo's highly acclaimed novelAsh is overflowing with lush Chinese influences and details inspired by the I Ching, and is filled with action and romance.

Publishes in US: Apr 5th 2011

Prequel to AshSource: Won from YALITCHAT A big thanks to Malinda and Georgia McBride and Little Brown

My Review

Huntress is a page turner with rich characters. They all have personalities and something to bring to the table. I like the differences between Taisan and Kaede's voice, and what they bring to their party. It is also really cool to see how they fall in love and what brings each to their love and admiration. I like how the relationships all defy the norms, and everyone is okay with it. Huntress always has something going on, and things that make me ask questions. I like the visions in this book, it's interesting to guess and then actually read which decisions and actions end up leading them there.

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Tuesday Teaser is a twist that Melissa at I Swim For Oceans puts on TT, where you shares a few sentences from your WIP.

Here are the rules: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page, and BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

"On any other day, I could just let this go. But today isn't an ordinary day, what with Harmony in hiding at my house and my parents trying to pimp me out and everything. I swear, if it weren't a felony, I'd smack Ventura AND her adorable six-month bump."--Pg. 108 of "Bumped" by Megan McCafferty

Monday, March 28, 2011

This girl is different… That’s what Evie has always told herself—and it’s true. Home-schooled by her counter culture mom, she’s decided to see what high school is like for the first time—for her senior year. And what a year it is.As it turns out, it’s not just Evie who’s Different. Lots of people are. Many of her assumptions about others are turned on their heads as she makes friends with kids her own age for the first time, discovers what’s good and what’s bad about high school, and learns lessons about power and its abuse—both by the administration and by Evie herself

Publishes: Apr 1st 2011Standalone novelSource: Netgalley

*My review*

This Girl is Different is a quick but powerful book. Evie, the main character stands up for what she believes in and as the title suggests, she is different and okay with it. I also like that she can admit when she's wrong, even if it takes a bit to get her to see that. Rajas, the love interest is really complex, and I really like him. He's interesting, has smart things to say, and he is sweet and supportive most of the time. But there are times when I just want him to grow up and get over himself, but it is a very realistic view of teenage boys, and I appreciate that. This is a very character driven novel, and I really like how Jacinda and Evie both defy expectation in their own ways. I appreciate that Evie's mom is active in this book, and she is involved in Evie's life. She is a very stand back Mom but she asks questions, makes Evie think and encourages her to make her own decisions. I really like how lightning is on the cover and the role it plays in the book alhtough I don't want to spoil anything. I recommend this one! It's a good read.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

This debut, the first novel in a trilogy, is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

My Review:

Angelfire was an awesome story and I have no idea why it's taken me so long. This was a very unique take on angels and demons, and it intrigued me. Angelfire is very fast paced, and there is always something going on. Ellie, the main character has a great voice, and I was very attached to her. I could relate with what was going on with her, and I really wanted her to succeed. Will- oh Will. The guardian, patient, protector, hot, sweet, pushes her to be the best she can be, love through centuries, what more can you say. Swoon. Come on home with me, baby. I like how friendship is shown as hard to balance- makes it all real to me. She wanted to keep her friends, but as she has more responsibility from the paranormal world, and she has to keep them away to protect them. The mystery kept me turning the pages, who is Will and what about Ellie- what are their secrets, what were they to each other, in battle of what makes someone good or evil.

Friday, March 25, 2011

HI! Welcome to my blog! I am participating in Follow Friday! It is hosted byParajunkee's View, so hop on over and visit and join!Please comment, link your blog, and follow, and I will be sure to return the favor.

Abandoned by the world around her, Carly believes she is fated to a life of torment at the hands of her stepfather and is desperate for an escape. When she can bear the abuse no longer and gives in to a thunderous rage, she suddenly finds herself in an unfamiliar, yet beautiful, storm world. This limbo between dimensions appears to be her private sanctuary, but it may just be her purgatory.No one escapes fate without sacrifice, but is the price more than Carly is willing to pay?

Published in US: Feb 25th 2011Source: author for tour and review

My Review:

In The Storm captured me from the first page and kept my attention. Yes, it is a short story, but it is a well written one with well developed characters. This is very emotional and it deals with tough issues, but it's woven with fantasy. Carly is a great main character, she has a great voice and she has a personality that I gravitate towards. I really liked the relationship between her and her brother, it was sweet and I could feel the emotion there. Morgan is a great interest with mystery, and awkwardness. I'd love for him to be in my safe-haven. Its a very fast paced read, but it didn't feel rushed to me. The ending sat well with me, and made my imagination run as to what could happen next (in a good way).

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Ten years ago, Efe Sagay dreams of winning the United States Visa Lottery, until she meets Kevwe Mukoro in University. Kevwe is happy to remain in Nigeria; only he wants Efe by his side. Over time, Efe finds true love with Kevwe, and promises to marry him. Their dreams unravel when Efe wins an American Visa, and fresh violence erupts between their warring ethnic groups. Now, Efe is back in Nigeria, and she knows it’s a matter of time before Kevwe returns to her life. They finally meet again, but renewed desire is no match for bitter memories of heartbreak. Efe wants the traumatic events of the past resolved before she gives in to rekindled love.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Amy Turner's about to graduate from high school and all she wants is a job. Actually, all she wants is to find a way to pay for college. Amy certainly isn't looking for love when she answers an ad to baby-sit a boy-she just needs the cash. But the job has a catch: The boy is blind...and he's her age.Tristan Edmund may be hot, but he doesn't want Amy's help. Or so he thinks. After being blinded in a horse show-jumping competition, Tristan spends his days in the dark, refusing to accept his disability. Much to his annoyance, Amy bursts into his life and drags him into the light. But just as the two begin to see something in each other, Tristan's beautiful ex-girlfriend shows up. Will the temptation be too much, or will Tristan choose the girl who really sees him?

Published in US:Source: bought

My Review:

His Eyes is a touching story, with good characters and its a sweet read. Renee did a great job making me wonder what would happen next, and what the characters were going to do or say. The romance is sweet and simple, until a mystery gal comes on the scene and challenges what Aimee thinks about herself and what she thinks she knows about Tristan. Tristan himself is a confused, but underneath it all good guy. He learned a lot from his accident and it changed how he thought about himself and other people. His little brother is a funny character, and plays a cute role in the book. It is a good read and I'd recommend to give it a try. I'd love to hear what you think about this book and./or my review.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Tuesday Teaser is a twist that Melissa at I Swim For Oceans puts on TT, where you shares a few sentences from your WIP.

Here are the rules: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page, and BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Huntress by Lo

Kaede told herslef that what she felt was only a little seed; she would simply not water it. It wouldn't grow any larger than this tiny prickle of attraction. She wouldn't let it.

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Welcome!

I am Brandi Kosiner and this is my personal book blog. I am a 30-something stay-at-home mom to two girls. I love going to Disney, playing video and board games with my husband. I love Young Adult books, with a focus on paranormal romance, fantasy, dystopia and contemporary, especially dealing with illnesses, tough issues such as cutting, eating disorders, issues at home, etc.

Feel free to contact me.with any questions or comments. I love to hear from you!

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I am a personal book blogger. I purchase my books for review, get them from a library, an arc tour, from author or publisher for review, but I am NOT PAID for this service. I do it for the love of books.

I do make some cash from Blogads and Google Adsense, but that money is purely for the ads, not the reviews. Money goes towards upkeep of blog and for giveaways.